6 Best Hotels in Sandy Bay, Roatan and the Bay Islands

Nestled on a private key, the low-slung cabanas at this luxury resort put the Caribbean at your doorstep. Ocean breezes waft in through the slatted windows, keeping the simple rooms cool and comfortable. A few come with air-conditioning if that's your preference. Either way, you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets from your private terrace. Water taxis ferry you to the rest of the resort. Renowned for its diving operation, Anthony's Key takes you out on six 42-foot boats. The resort also offers kids' programs (ages 5 to 14), beach picnics, horseback riding, and a wide range of water sports.

Behind the property's dock (from which you can embark on different types of aquatic adventures), charming two-story cabins with Spanish tile showers and woven seagrass furniture are spread along the shoreline against a backdrop of green forest. The savory smokehouse lunch and dinner menu offers a nice selection of southern American classics. Settle into a seat on the waterfront gazebo and sample the Memphis-style pulled pork or test your limits on all-you-can-eat Lionfish Fridays. The central pool is on the small side, but it's a great place for a refreshing dip.

Four luxurious cottages are spread across this exclusive campus that winds through botanical gardens and out to a secluded cove. Vaulted ceilings and screened-in patios with ocean views help give the rentals a rustic yet high-end feel. The Bamboo, Mango, and Dolphin houses have two bedrooms and two baths, and the Cabana has a single queen-size bed for couples. The property has a private dock and gazebo that overlook the dolphin pen at Anthony's Key Resort. At night, you can hear the dolphins splash around as phosphorescence glitters in the water.